Dorian Choral Retreat

Join us on the beautiful Luther College campus for a weekend of singing together, learning in community, and connecting with old and new friends.  This event is open to anyone, whether you’re a graduate of Luther College or someone who just loves to sing.

On campus housing will be available for the weekend in limited supply. Spaces are available in Norby House and Baker Village town homes. Baker has 4-person town homes as well as 6-person town homes. Please contact Alecia Bucksa, Coordinator of Campus Events and Outreach, to inquire and book.

A list of Decorah lodging and other resources are listed below.

CONDUCTORS for the 2026 Dorian Choral Retreat include Adrianna Tam, Mark Potvin ’01, Shelly Schaeufele ’92, and Jason Rausch ’98.

REPERTOIRE for the 2026 Dorian Choral Retreat includes:

• The King of Love, Paul J. Christiansen
• And the Glory of the Lord (from “Messiah”), G.F. Handel
• A New Jerusalem Arises, Kyle Pederson
• Praise His Holy Name, Keith Hampton
• Measure Me, Sky!, Elaine Hagenberg
• 93 Million Miles, arr. Susan LaBarr
• Ambe, Andrew Balfour
• If I Can Help Somebody, Alma Androzzo/David Brunner

Repertoire will be provided for all participants upon arrival on July 10.  There is no need to rehearse the music before arriving.  You will get to keep the music that is provided for you.  Please bring a 1/2- or 1-inch black, 3-ring binder for your music.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

• Voice for Singers – How the voice works and how to keep it healthy (Choir Room, Jenson-Noble)

Benj Kost, MA CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, WinnMed – Decorah, Iowa

-Benj is a speech-language pathologist with WinnMed here in Decorah who, among other areas of interest, specializes in voice therapy and working with singers. He graduated from Luther College in 2012 with a bachelor’s in music, specializing in voice. His interest in the science and physiology of vocal function led him to completing the Summer Vocology Institute program at the University of Utah in 2016, and he began his transition and training in speech-language pathology. He completed his master’s degree in speech pathology at the University of Iowa, graduating in 2020, before eventually finding his way back to Decorah. Outside of his work as a speech language pathologist, Benj enjoys singing with friends and small groups around town including the Open Hub Singing Club. Otherwise, his time is often spent with his 3 children, exploring the forests and parks.

• Reflections on Programming and Power (Orchestra Room, Jenson Noble)

Mark Potvin, Associate Professor of Music, Norskkor, Cathedral Choir, Luther College

• Church Music Roundtable (Recital Hall, CFL)

Casey Tecklenburg, Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Cedar Falls

• Music Educators Roundtable (Sperati Band Room, Jenson-Noble)

Jason Rausch, Vocal Music, Decorah High School

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